Table 4 shows the methods used either singularly or in combination to facilitate patient participation. A full breakdown of the methods can be found in Supplementary Information: Additional file 2. Method Combinations
Methods used | Published n (%) | Completed n (%) | Ongoing n (%) | Combined n (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Number of COS studies included | 37 | 38 | 65 | 140 |
Delphi survey only | 12 (32) | 7 (18) | 2 (3) | 21 (15) |
Questionnaire only | 2 (5) | 0 | 1 (2) | 3 (2) |
Qualitative interviews only | 0 | 0 | 2 (3) | 2 (1) |
Consensus meeting only | 2 (5) | 0 | 0 | 2 (1) |
Focus group only | 0 | 1 (3) | 0 | 1 (1) |
Nominal group technique only | 0 | 0 | 1 (2) | 1 (1) |
Mixed methods (see descriptions below) | 21 (58) | 30 (79) | 59 (90) | 110 (79) |
Delphi survey and another method(s) | 15 (71) | 26 (87) | 56 (95) | 97 (88) |
Consensus meeting and another method(s) | 6 (29) | 2 (7) | 2 (3) | 10 (9) |
Qualitative interview and another method(s) | 0 | 1 (3) | 1 (2) | 2 (2) |
Focus group and another method(s) | 0 | 1 (3) | 0 | 1 (1) |